Page 60 of Alpha Gray

“Good morning, Alpha,” Deke greets, tossing me a smile. He’s always so damn chipper in the mornings.

“Good morning,” I reply groggily, running a hand through my hair to smooth it back. “Pancakes?”

Deke grins, sliding a bowl of blueberries across the counter toward me. “Blueberry pancakes.”

“Mmmm…” My mouth is already watering.

Deke gets to mixing up the pancake batter as I lean against the counter, taking a blueberry from the bowl and popping it into my mouth. I must still be riding the high of last night, because the fruit tastes sweeter than ever before.

“You slept late,” Deke comments, picking up the bowl of batter and holding it in front of his chest to stir.

“I definitely needed it. It’s been a long week.” I pop another blueberry into my mouth.

“I’m afraid it’s going to be another long one ahead,” Deke sighs. “The alpha from the Denver pack called to ask if you’d go out there this week for a meeting.”

I blow out a breath, folding my arms across my chest. “Do you know what it’s about?”

Deke’s jaw stiffens, his lips drawn in a tight line. “What else?”

I nod. Of course, it’s about the shadow pack. We’ve been in contact with the alpha in Denver about a possible alliance, which would essentially double our forces to defend an attack. He was resistant at first, but as the shadow pack presses closer, he’s starting to come around.

I hear footsteps padding across the floor of the great room and I look over to the doorway of the kitchen just as Fallon peeks her head in. She must’ve found the clothes I left out for her, because she’s wearing them- though my t-shirt is way too big and hangs off of her narrow frame. Her pert little nipples are hard underneath, pushing at the fabric. My dick twitches in response. She lookssogood in my clothes; my wolf preens with satisfaction at seeing her in them, like it’s a symbol of our claim on her.

“Good morning,” I drawl, holding out an arm. She has this adorable deer-in-the headlights expression on her face, but she quickly hides it with a little smile and blush, walking into my outstretched arm. I pull her close, dropping a kiss on the top of her head and sliding my hand down to rest on her hip.

Only then do I turn back to Deke, who looks like he’s just seen a fucking ghost. I suppose this is the first time I’ve had a girl join us for breakfast, but I’m a young, single guy- it shouldn’t be that shocking.

“Fallon, this is my beta, Deke,” I say, gesturing to him. “Deke, this is Fallon.”

Deke clears his throat, wiping the dumbfounded look off of his face and replacing it with a warm smile. “Nice to meet you, Fallon,” he says, resuming stirring the batter. “Hope you like pancakes.” He tosses her a wink, and I glance down to see a deep blush form on Fallon’s cheeks.

“Nice to meet you too,” Fallon breathes, pressing herself closer to my side. “Pancakes sound delicious.”

Holly appears in the other doorway across the kitchen, little Mason in tow. Mason is Holly and Deke’s three-year-old son, and he’s the cutest little kid- he’s got curly blonde hair and Holly’s big green anime eyes.

“Uncle Gray!” Mason squeals, tearing across the kitchen in my direction. He slams into my leg, throwing his arms around my thigh to hang on.

“Hey buddy,” I laugh, ruffling his hair. I look up at Holly, and she has the same shocked look on her face that Deke had moments ago upon seeing Fallon. She’s better at hiding it, though- she quickly plasters on a smile.

“Hi! I’m Holly,” she chirps, giving a little wave.

“This is Fallon,” I say, glancing down at Mason. “Mason, can you say hi to Fallon?” I ruffle his hair again.

Mason looks over at her, his face lighting up. “Hi!” He lets go of my leg and steps back to peer up at Fallon. “You’re really pretty.”

Fallon laughs, stooping down so she’s at eye level with the kid. “It’s nice to meet you, Mason.”

“Are you pack? Are you eating breakfast with us? Are you wearing Uncle Gray’s shirt?” Mason asks rapid-fire questions, blinking at Fallon.

“Mason, leave her be!” Holly sighs, striding over and taking his hand.

“He’s fine,” Fallon chuckles, rising to her feet. “Cute kid.”

“Thanks,” Holly beams. She leads Mason over to the large table in the corner of the kitchen, situating him at one of the chairs. “So are you on the squad, Fallon?” Holly asks over her shoulder as she gets Mason settled.

Fallon doesn’t miss a beat. “Hope to be,” she replies, darting me a sideways glance. “I’m at training camp this summer.”

Deke sets the bowl of batter down on the counter, moving a pan onto the stove and cranking the dial to turn on the flame. “I hope Gray’s taking it easy on you,” he smirks.

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